www.outdoortreks.biz
Tourism Malaysia (Singapore) Familiarisation Trip 12 & 13 Jul
In
conjunction with the Rainforest World Music Festival, Tourism Malaysia,
Singapore office conducted a familiarisation trip for media and tour
operators.
The group
This however was a
different trip as it was focused on 4X4
and outdoor adventures. The
other big difference to this trip was that it focused on new tourism
products for
Sarawak - operated by a 'new' adventure outfit - Outdoor Treks.
CK rides a special stage with Eddie in a full competition prepared 4X4
Although Outdoor Treks is a new company, its key personnel have been in the adventure tourism business for 18 years.
The
group comprised of motoring journalists Mazlan, and Azfar, Paul Chern
who writes freelance, with Masrima from TM Singapore, and adventure
operator Zainol of Sidik Khan adventures and CK of X-Trekkers.
Abseil training before going off the edge
dventurers
(Mazlan, Azhar, Masrima and Zainol) and Eco Warriors- Paul and CK.Mazlan negotiates an obstacle on a purpose built 4X4 course.
On the first day the 4x4
group drove out from Kuching in an expedition prepared Toyota Hilux
escorted by a fully
prepared competition car to Rayu where Mel an experienced 4X4 marshal,
and Eddie - Sarawak's
4X4 team captain conducted an hour off road driving course.
Eddie explaining the finer points of approaching 4X4 obstacles.
This was detailed and
extensive and covered
topics from driving and hand
positions to 4x4 vehicle mechanical
operations. This was followed by an off road drive over technical
terrain with ruts and water crossings. The day ended when they arrived
at Camp El.
The Eco Warriors headed to the Fairy Cave complex where Malcolm brought them through abseiling training before going out the cave opening that stood 100 meters above street level.
The Eco Warriors about to enter the cave.
Meeting Mr. Fu the second generation blacksmith.
After lunch in the quite town of Bau, they visited a blacksmith, known to make the best 'parang' the ultimate jungle survival tool. That afternoon they went mountain biking in Krokong area and visit the village of Peros, Pisa and Sapit that has homestay facilities. The Eco Warriors then headed to meet the 4X4 Adventurers at Camp El.
Mountain biking at Krokong
Camp El is a tranquil jungle camp that has basic but clean facilities. It has a fully equipped commercial kitchen and cafeteria and has accommodation facilities for up to 100 persons.
That night the group was treated to a BBQ dinner and chatted into the night. The following day, after an authentic Malaysian breakfast of Maggi noodles, the group went out to continue their adventure with more 4x4 technical driving over a competition track. The Eco Warriors went to the Batman Wall for a Level 1 rock climbing course.
Have car will travel but Zainol and Mazlan have different ideas
The group met up again at a local eatery for lunch and then headed back into Kuching.